MEXICO
RECENTLY, the spokesman for an evangelical association – formed specifically to voice the abuses against evangelicals in the country – was found dead. The cause of death was due to severe intoxication with alcohol and cocaine, which in the opinion of other leaders who knew him, makes his death highly suspicious. They are holding the Caciques (religious zealots and corrupt local authorities) responsible for the death. Meanwhile, several pastors and leaders in the state of Chiapas are in danger because of their active involvement in defending evangelical Christians from abuses committed by Caciques and their associates. Pray for these dear brethren that they will continue to serve courageously and compassionately, trusting God for their lives. Pray that righteousness will triumph and that the authorities will act fairly to bring the murderers to justice.
NEPAL
NEPAL is the only officially declared Hindu kingdom in the world with a population of 26.5 million. There are more than 80 ethnic groups and about 120 languages. About 90 percent are Hindus.
Although Nepal is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the world, it has been facing an internal war between the Maoist rebels and the government since 1996. Until now, approximately over 10,000 people have died, and between 150,000 and 200,000 people internally displaced.
In over 50 years of Nepali Church history, despite the persecutions and many other legal and social barriers, it has been estimated that the churches have grown from zero to 3,000 and there are approximately half a million Christians in the country at present.
More than a million Nepalis have now scattered around the world in different countries. Nepali churches have been growing also outside Nepal among diaspora Nepalis.
Praise God for the many who have come to know Christ out of the instability in the country. Pray for churches to faithfully nurture their newborn so that they will mature in knowledge of Him and love for Him; to be a source of love, peace and comfort to the people who are traumatised by the current situation Pray for help to reach the internally displaced people, many of whom have lost their loved ones in the battle. And pray for the many Nepalis working overseas that they will meet Christ through the love of the Christians. For example, in the Klang Valley, some churches have come together to organise gatherings and meetings for the Nepalese working in their areas. Praise God for them.
IVORY COAST
A failed coup by Muslim rebels last September left Ivory Coast polarised along ethnic, political and religious lines. Ivory Coast’s local population is presently 38% Muslim and 31% Christian, with full religious freedom. Currently the Prime Minister is a northern Muslim and the President is a southern Christian, and they are working together to implement peace accords. However, the rebels don’t want peace – they want to control the whole country and to replace the president. They are also provoking conflict with IC security forces, with the danger it will escalate. A return to war is a great fear but the greater fear is that IC will fall to Muslim extremists.
Pray that through the troubles, the churches will draw closer together; for their anxiety and suffering to produce endurance, character, hope (Rom 5:3,4) and a renewed, strengthened relationship with their Saviour; for God to end the rebellion, securing justice, preserving religious freedom, safeguarding mission, and making way for salvation to spring up and righteousness to grow (Isaiah 45:8).
ALBANIA
UNEMPLOYMENT, drugs, prostitution and alcohol are becoming an inseparable part of Albanian society, according to Mission Possible Albania (MPA) Director Besa Shapplo. Among its multiple ministries, MPA has sought to reach Albanian children since it started partnering with local churches in 1991. Mrekullia (or miracle), its children’s magazine, aims to teach Christian morals and ethics to children across society. Distributed freely in public schools, the magazine does not speak openly about God, but has proven to be a tool for pre-evangelistic work. “Children are taught through the stories how to distinguish between good and evil, to love one another, to help their parents or friends,” said Shapplo.
In tandem with the magazine, MPA organises Mrekullia Clubs for teaching the Bible to children ages seven to 12 in several Albanian churches. The clubs serve as evangelistic outreach for unchurched kids and help nurture Christian children’s faith. Clubs hold the children’s interest through kid-friendly Bible lessons and games. In addition, “homework indirectly makes them speak to their family about what they learn in the Club,” she said. The Bible summer camps engage children from various clubs in five days of Bible study and discipling, with lessons for everyday living.
Pray for this ministry that the children and their parents will come to know the living Saviour. Pray also for the workers to continue their work with passion, compassion and love for the children.
CHINA
PASTOR Gong Shengliang, 53, is the founder and leader of the South China Church, an evangelical house-church fellowship with some 50,000 members across several provinces. In Dec 2001 he was sentenced to death under China’s anti-cult laws. Intense international pressure led to an overturn of that charge and sentence. Pr Gong was falsely convicted of multiple counts of rape and given a life sentence in early 2002. The China Aid Association (CAA) reports that on April 12, Gong’s three sisters were permitted to have a 10-minute visit with him. He had to be carried to the visiting hall as he could not walk. The CAA believes Pr Gong may not survive much longer under these conditions.
Pray for God to intervene so that Pr Gong will be moved to safety (or have his safety guaranteed); be treated for injuries; receive justice; and be filled with divine strength from the Holy Spirit. Pray for God to continue to bless the Chinese Church with spiritual power so that the Chinese Church may be a source of righteousness and justice and God’s rich blessings to China (Isaiah 55:10–13). |
